(Newser)
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“Money is the root of all evil,” a concerned friend recently wrote to Christian Science Monitor financial blogger Trent Hamm, wondering why Hamm would devote his blog to helping people accumulate wealth. But that phrase, which you’ve probably heard or even said yourself, is actually a misquote, Hamm explains. Timothy 6:10, the Bible verse the friend is attempting to reference, actually says that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” Money itself, on the other hand, “is neither good nor evil,” Hamm argues. “It’s simply a medium of exchange.”

How you spend that money, however, is indeed “a reflection of who you are and what you value,” Hamm continues. The scripture is simply pointing out that the accumulation of money should not become your life’s highest purpose, above all other virtues and the welfare of others. “When you see other people as merely things that can be exploited to improve your wealth accumulation, that is evil, in my opinion,” Hamm concludes. “Having money isn’t evil. Earning money isn’t evil. Exploiting people to acquire that money is, however.”

Money It's a crime Share it fairly But don't take a slice of my pie Money So they say Is the root of all evil today But if you ask for a raise It's no surprise that they're giving none away

SC23

Sep 10, 2011 6:49 PM CDT

It might not be the root, but it is sure as hell the vehicle.

bananana

Sep 10, 2011 4:10 PM CDT

"Catch a man a fish, and you can sell it to him. Teach a man to fish, and you ruin a wonderful business opportunity."- Karl Marx I'd say ignorance is the root of all evil. Other people's ignorance is, of course, highly profitable.